Inasmuch as it might pain some wine drinkers out there who’ve had their fill of Chardonnay’s over the years – the reality is that this grape is going to be around for a long-time. It’s about as iconic to the wine industry as any grape could ever be and it’s still used to make some of the world’s finest sparkling wines.

Ventana Vineyards, based out of Monterey California, has put its own spin on this grape and has turned out quite a head-turner for those who enjoy a more pure-fruit experience and less oak.

Technical Data:

Appellation: Arroyo Seco AVA: Monterey, California

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard: 100% Estate Ventana Vineyard

Barrel Selection: French Oak

Total Acidity .64 g/ 100ml

pH3.54

Alcohol13.5%

Suggested Retail: $18.00 per bottle

Nose: Crisp green apples, pineapple mixed with slightly toasted almond butter and some starfruit along with a little beach-sand.

Taste: Excellent minerality backed up with the green apple and a bit of honeysuckle, pineapple and pear. Shard acidity across the mid to back palate. This wine has really good finish that lingers nicely.